Patient's question:
My menstrual cycle is irregular, usually lasting 40-50 days. My last period started on November 8th and ended on November 13th. On the 18th, I started using an ovulation test kit, and it has been showing two pink lines ever since. My basal body temperature has been around 36.2°C, and today it was 36.45°C. The past two days, I had two ultrasound scans, and there were no mature follicles detected. So, am I already ovulating or is it still not time? Am I not ovulating at all? Why has the ovulation test kit been showing ovulation since the 10th day after my period?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Common methods for checking ovulation include:1. Basal body temperature measurement: Starting from the first day of menstruation, measure your temperature under the tongue with a thermometer for 5 minutes before getting out of bed each morning and record it. Continue this until the next menstrual period. Normally, ovulation occurs around day 14 of the menstrual cycle. After ovulation, the body temperature rises by 0.3~0.5°C and remains elevated for about 12 days. If the temperature does not rise, rises slowly, lasts for a short duration, or does not rise by 0.3°C, it indicates no ovulation or insufficient luteal function.
2. Endometrial biopsy: Undergo a minor surgical procedure before or within 12 hours of menstruation to take a sample of the endometrium for examination. If there are secretory changes, it indicates ovulation. If there are proliferative changes, it suggests no ovulation. Additionally, it can check for other conditions such as endometrial tuberculosis.
3. Endocrine tests: Around one week before menstruation (post-ovulation), have blood drawn to test progesterone levels. An increase in progesterone indicates ovulation.